Newcastle United are one of five Premier League clubs who have been alerted to Newport County teenager Aaron Collins.

The Magpies have focused heavily on signing players from Holland, France and Belgium in recent seasons but the arrival of Ivan Toney from Northampton is evidence that they are prepared to scour the Football League for young talent too.

But they aren’t alone when it comes to being interested in 18-year-old centre-forward Collins.

Championship side Burnley have already been in touch with Newport to enquire about his services while Manchester United are keeping a close eye on County’s youngsters after signing Regan Poole this summer.

The Chronicle understands that Newcastle had Collins watched during at Newport’s 1-0 win at Carlisle United at the weekend.

The 18-year-old already has a list of admirers from the Premier League and the Championship and Wales boss Chris Coleman has had good reports about his progress after he starred for Wales at under-19 level.

Collins has made just a dozen appearances for County since graduating from their youth set-up and handed his chance by ex-England defender Terry Butcher, now in charge at Newport.

Speaking on Collins this season, Butcher said: “Aaron is a key player.

“He’s got two goals now and he’s only played two full matches so he’s made a very good start to his career.

“The offer came in from Burnley but it didn’t match our valuation.

“He came to see me and I think his head was a bit fuzzy because of all the interest but we told him that we value him very highly and the offers from Burnley didn’t match the valuation that we’ve put on him.

“But his opportunity will come and it’s great for the younger boys coming through because it shows them the opportunities are there.

“I said to Aaron Collins ‘don’t jump on the first bus that comes along because maybe a better one will follow’.

“It certainly has for Regan and it’s great for him and great for the club.

“It shows we’re doing something right and that the players are as well.”

Collins has scored two goals for the League Two outfit this season so far.